Processor Defends Chicken Reworking Procedures
SOUTH AFRICA - Poultry processor, Country Bird, has defended its procedures for 're-working' chicken returned by retailers.According to News Time, Country Bird, which owns controversial poultry plant owner Supreme Poultry has defended the companies practice of “reworking” poultry sent back by leading chains such as Pick and Pay, Shoprite/Checkers and others, citing a report from News24.
The company said the practice of washing, treating with chlorine, injecting (with brine) and rebranding chicken did not contravene any laws. Spokesperson for Country Bird, Tish Stewart said that the practice was in line with 'the highest level of production practices'.
She added: "Reworking of chickens returned by clients is permitted by law within certain guidelines and the product may be used for specified purposes after reworking, including human consumption, animal consumption or rendering."
She also said: ""Reworking happens in Supreme Poultry and throughout the industry continuously."
The last statement was disputed by Rainbow Chickens who said they would not reprocess chickens as they could not vouch for their handling after they had entered the retail chain. The report further states that the reworked chicken is repackaged and given new expiry dates.
Shoprite/Checkers has said that it would be investigating the practices of Country Bird.